Fellaini return key to Newcastle clash

Everton’s Belgian midfielder is available for selection after completing a three-match suspension for violent conduct.

Dutch defender Heitinga is hoping his teammate has benefited from his recent time-out and is keen for Toffees boss David Moyes to give the 25-year-old the nod against the Toon at St James’ Park.

“He [Fellaini] is important for us. He has played really well for us this season and he is one of our main players,” Heitinga told evertontv.

“We have missed him in the last couple of games but he is doing well and he will be back for the Newcastle game. Hopefully he can surprise everybody by showing that the last couple of weeks off has been good for him!”

Everton have a poor record on Tyneside, having won only twice in their last 11 visits. The last time the Toffees collected all three points on Newcastle’s home patch was a 2-1 victory in March 2011, a match which Heitinga played.

And the 29-year-old Holland international is confident his side can secure a similar result at the ground this time around.

“It’s always tough there on a big pitch,” Heitinga added. “Last season they did really well and this time they haven’t had so many chances to do as well. It will be tough game but we are in good form and hopefully we can continue to do what we did in 2012.

“They lost two games and conceded a lot of goals so they will want to give something back to the fans. But it’s not easy to beat Everton, so we will go there to win.”